Woodland for sale

Tucked away, in a secluded part of a larger area of other private woodland; delightful hidden clearings within this oak wood await discovery. Elevated level areas of well drained woodland give way to the gentle sloping ground that affords such wonderful views through the trees across neighbouring countryside. Gaia Wood is an ideal spot for nature lovers to enjoy some isolation from the world outside and to observe at close quarters the wildlife that flourishes here. Spending time in this stunning natural environment is both restorative and thought provoking. The enjoyment and preservation of woodland provides enormous benefits to both mind and body and gives pause to consider the origins of nature and humanity. It is fitting therefore that this wood takes its name from the Greek primordial goddess that was revered as the originator of the earth and the mother of all life.

Wildlife

Hidden beneath the ground here is the secret history of Gaia Wood. It is what you cannot see for part of the year that tells us something of the history of this woodland. For buried beneath the soil the roots and bulbs of delicate woodland plants indicate this as an ancient woodland site.

Bluebells in particular can take a long time to establish in heavy soils and the dramatic purple blue haze of spring at Gaia Wood has taken many generations to establish. Dog mercury and wood sorrel in the field layer also indicate that this fragile relationship of earth, light and shelter has been undisturbed in modern times. The sensitive planting of predominantly oak has been done with a sensitivity that has not compromised this delicate habitat that is now so attractive for a myriad of forest plants and creatures.

Access, tracks and footpaths

There is excellent access to Gaia wood from from a secure gateway from the highway, a short distance along a woodland ride, much enjoyed by browsing roe deer and hare as well as the variety of insects and butterflies that thrive on the grasses and wildflowers that proliferate in the spring and summer. In particular the spring bluebell display is an absolute natural phenomenon at Gaia Wood. There are no public footpaths running through or alongside this Wood.

Rights and covenants

This important woodland environment is protected by a Tree Preservation Order that protects Gaia Wood and the surrounding woodland from inappropriate forestry practice. This does not preclude the process of normal woodland management but simply requires that the local authority are consulted on all relevant proposals in advance.

As is the case for all our woodlands, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the woodland.

Local area and history

The dramatic sweeping countryside of rural Dorset is an uplifting spectacle. This area is sparsely populated and characterised by small rural communities and attractive villages. The nearby village of Toller Porcorum exemplifies these ancient settlements with an interesting church known for its 'drooping chancel'. An architectural feature of a lop-sided arch to reflect the head of Christ on the cross.

The county of Dorset has a distinctive Roman history. Dorchester was one of the first 'Romanised' towns, having been conquered in the middle of the first century A.D. As a result there is plentiful evidence throughout the local landscape of roads and hill forts that bear the influence of the invaders. Nowadays the market town of Crewkerne and the larger regional centre of Dorchester are easily accessed from Gaia Wood. These thriving historic centres provide convenient stopping points to gather supplies on the way to the woods.